Tennis score keeping device

ABSTRACT

The two part device is received within the recess in a tennis racquet handle. The first part is fixed within the recess and has a surface imprinted with scoring indicia. The second part is rotatably mounted on the first part and has a viewing window. The viewing window is aligned with selected scoring indicia on the first part surface as the second part is rotated. Detents cooperate to insure proper alignment between the window and the indicia. The second part has a raised portion, preferably in the shape of an indicia, to facilitate gripping the exterior surface of the second part.

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanical score keeping devicesand more particularly a score keeping device adapted to be mounted in atennis racquet handle.

[0002] Keeping score of sets or points during a tennis match is animportant part of the game. This can be done manually, by writing thescore down, or simply by memory. However, there is a need for a simpledevice to keep score mechanically.

[0003] Such a device must be readily accessible but not interfere withthe movement of the player. It must be light in weight and durable.

[0004] Standard tennis racquets have a handle with a recess into whichan indicia bearing part can be received. The indicia is often thetrademark of the manufacturer.

[0005] My invention utilizes this existing handle recess. It consists ofa simple, light weight, durable mechanical counter which is designed tobe entirely received in the recess. It is thus accessible to the playerbut does not constitute something extra which must be carried or worn orwhich can interfere with the movement of the player.

[0006] It is therefore a prime object of the present invention toprovide a score keeping device adapted to be received within a tennisracquet handle recess.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a tennisscore keeping device which is simple, light in weight and durable.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a tennisscore keeping device made of simple inexpensive parts, which are easilyassembled and which function reliably together for a long, useful life.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a score keeping deviceis provided for use with a tennis racquet of the type having a handlewith a recess. The device includes first and second parts. Means areprovided for fixedly mounting the first part within the recess. Meansare provided for mounting the second part, on the first part, formovement relative to the first part. The first part has a surface withindicia imprinted thereon. The second part includes means for viewingselected indicia on the first part surface, as the second part is movedrelative to the first part.

[0010] Detent means are provided for aligning the viewing means with theselected indicia. The detent means includes a recess on one of the partsand a protrusion on the other part. The protrusion is adapted tocooperate with the recess.

[0011] The detent means most preferably includes first and secondrecesses on one of the parts and first and second protrusions on theother of the parts. The first and second protrusions are adapted tocooperate with the first and second recesses, respectively.

[0012] The mounting means mounts the second part on the first part forrotational movement related to the first part. The mounting meansincludes an opening in one part and a post on the other part. The postis adapted to be received within the opening.

[0013] The viewing means includes a window. The window may betransparent or simply an opening in the second part.

[0014] A raised portion is provided on the exterior surface of thesecond part. The raised portion is preferably in the shape of anindicia.

[0015] The handle recess has a slot. The means for fixedly mounting thefirst part within the recess includes a protrusion adapted to engage theslot. Preferably, the recess has first and second slots and the meansfor fixedly mounting the first part within the recess includes first andsecond protrusions respectively adapted to engage the slots.

[0016] The handle recess is defined by a wall with a given shape. Thefirst part has a shape corresponding to the given shape. Preferably thegiven shape is octagon.

[0017] The second part has a circular shape. The second part is a disc.

[0018] To these and to such other objects which may hereinafter appear,the present invention relates to a score keeping device for use with atennis racquet, as described in detail in the following specificationand recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric showing the parts of the deviceand a tennis racquet handle;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the first part;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the first part;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the first part;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the second part;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the second part; and

[0025]FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the second part.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 1, the handle 10 of a tennis racquet has an endrecess 12 defined by an octagon shaped inner wall 14 and a bottomsurface 16. Bottom surface 16 of recess 12 is provided with four slots18. An octagon shaped end cap (not shown), often bearing an imprintedtrademark of the manufacturer, is normally provided for the recess. Therear of the cap has four spaced “L” shaped protrusions which engageslots 16 in a “snap-fit” manner.

[0027] The score keeping device of the present invention replaces theend cap. The device includes two simple injection moulded plastic parts20, 22.

[0028] Part 20 is shaped to fit snugly into the recess, having anoctagon shaped outer edge 24, an internal surface 26 and an externalsurface 28. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, extending outwardly fromsurface 26 of part 20, are four spaced “L” shaped protrusions 30 adaptedto “snap-fit” into recesses 18 on surface 16 of recess 12. Protrusions30 are somewhat resilient and because of their shape, will flex slightlyduring insertion into the slots and, once seated, will return to theiroriginal position to securely hold part 20 in the recess.

[0029] Part 20 has a central opening 32. It also has a plurality ofindentations or small semi-circular spaced recesses 34 on surface 28,surrounding opening 32 in a circular pattern. Radially outward of eachindentation 34 is an indicia imprinted on surface 28 which represents ascore. In the example shown, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 areshown, representing sets of tennis games.

[0030] Part 22, as best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, has an interiorsurface 36, an exterior surface 38 and a circular outer edge 40. Surface36 has a central protrusion 42 with a slightly enlarged head 44.Protrusion 42 is adapted to friction fit into central opening 32 in part20, such that part 22 can rotate relative to part 20.

[0031] A pair of spaced semi-circular protrusions or detents 46 extendfrom surface 36 and cooperate with recesses 34 on surface 28 of part 20,such that part 22 can be aligned in one of eight different rotationalpositions relative to part 20.

[0032] Part 22 has a circular viewing window 48 which can be transparentplastic or simply an opening. Window 48 aligns with a different one ofthe indicia imprinted on surface 28 in each of its eight detentedrelative positions.

[0033] The exterior surface 36 of part 22 is provided with a raisedportion 50 which facilitates gripping and rotation of the part. Portion50, shown as an “X” on the drawings, can be in the shape of an indicia,such as the trademark of the manufacturer, if desired.

[0034] Once assembled in recess 12, part 22 is rotated relative to part20 such that the “O” is visible through window 48. After the first game,part 22 is rotated one-eighth turn, to the next detent position, suchthat the “1” is visible. In this manner, games are counted until the endof the set.

[0035] The device of the present invention is extremely light in weight,weighing approximately one gram. It is formed of simple inexpensiveparts which are easily assembled to operate together in a reliablefashion.

[0036] While only a single preferred embodiment of the present inventionhas been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that manymodifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended tocover all of these modifications and variations which fall within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims:

1. A score keeping device for use with a tennis racquet of the typehaving a handle with a recess, said device comprising first and secondparts, means for fixedly mounting said first part within said recess,means for mounting said second part on said first part for movementrelative to said first part, said first part having a surface withindicia imprinted thereon, said second part comprising means for viewingselected indicia on said first part surface, as said second part ismoved relative to said first part.
 2. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising detent means for aligning said viewing means with saidselected indicia.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said detent meanscomprises a recess on one of said parts and a protrusion on the other ofsaid parts adapted to cooperate with said recess.
 4. The device of claim2 wherein said detent means comprises first and second recesses on oneof said parts and first and second protrusions on the other of saidparts adapted to cooperate with said first and second recesses,respectively.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting meansmounts said second part on said first part for rotational movementrelative to said first part.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein saidmounting means comprises an opening in one of said parts and a post onthe other of said parts adapted to be received within said opening. 7.The device of claim 1 wherein said viewing means comprises a window insaid second part.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said viewing meanscomprises an opening in said second part.
 9. The device of claim 1wherein said second part has an outer surface and further comprising araised portion on said outer surface.
 10. The device of claim 9 whereinsaid raised portion is in the shape of an indicia.
 11. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said recess has a slot and wherein said means forfixedly mounting said first part within said recess comprises aprotrusion adapted to engage said slot.
 12. The device of claim 1wherein said recess has first and second slots and wherein said meansfor fixedly mounting said first part within said recess comprises firstand second protrusions respectively adapted to engage said slots. 13.The device of claim 1 wherein said recess is defined by a wall with agiven shape and said first part has an outer edge with a shapecorresponding to said given shape.
 14. The device of claim 13 whereinsaid given shape is an octagon.
 15. The device of claim 1 wherein saidsecond part has an outer edge with a circular shape.
 16. The device ofclaim 14 wherein said second part has an outer edge with a circularshape.